Henry - A Date With Ray

International Polka Music Hall of Fame® Ray Henry Mocarski has composed many original songs.

While still in his early teens, Henry Mocarski, of Windsor, Connecticut started a polka band with Emil Juda on drums, Ray Zak on sax, and Henry Mocarski on accordion. Using the first names of Ray Zak and Henry Mocarski, the Ray Henry Orchestra was born. This group played in a local restaurant for approximately 2 ½ years with much of their earnings used to build up their polka library. Then they made plans to have a 10-piece orchestra. Running ads in local newspapers, all positions were soon filled and rehearsals began. Hired to play a wedding, the exposure brought immediate response. They soon found themselves performing in many polka dancing spots in the Connecticut area.

In 1947, while rehearsing in Hartford, Frank Wojnarowski happened to visit the rehearsal hall. Already a popular recording artist, Frank suggested that Ray contact Walter Dana with respect to making records. Following his advice, “Don’t Get Married, Son” was recorded on a 78 rpm single. The name of Ray Henry reached national prominence. Bookings followed in Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Ohio, and Detroit. The orchestra recorded some 84-78 rpm records for Dana. “Blonde Bombshell Polka” became a hit in 1952. “Ballroom Polka” became a hit in the mid-60’s and is standard in the polka music field today.

Check out this CD today with Ray Henry. Two former albums now on one CD!

Track listing:

1. Winding Brook Polka
2. Barber Polka
3. Small Fry Polka
4. Blue Bird Oberek
5. Golden Sun Polka
6. Pin Wheel Polka
7. Go To Town Polka
8. Hand In Hand Polka
9. Hey Hey Polka
10. Gay Time Oberek
11. Gypsy Annie Polka
12. Polka Party Polka
13. Rendezvous Polka
14. Smiley Polka
15. Big Boy Oberek
16. Million Kisses Polka
17. Sweetheart Polka
18. Barrel of Fun Polka
19. Chinese Polka
20. Festival Polka
21. Motivation Waltz
22. Ball of Fire Polka
23. Black and Blue Oberek
24. Cheer Up Polka